Hell-Rider to King of the Air: Glenn Curtiss's Life of Innovation (Premiere Series Books) - Softcover

House, Kirk

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0768008026 ISBN 13: 9780768008029

Publisher: SAE International, 2003

Synopsis

There's no question that Glenn Curtiss was one of the most significant figures in the early development of motorcycles, aviation, and engine development. This book will take you on a journey through both his life and his innovative technological developments.

And what a life it was. Descriptions of this man prove to be contradictory and controversial. He was quiet, yet dashing. Kind, yet stern. Uneducated, yet a technological and entrepreneurial pioneer. He began his inventing career by building and racing motorcycles, while creating new internal combustion engines, then moved on to work with dirigibles, airplanes (particularly seaplanes), community development, and travel trailers. In the end, Glenn Curtiss - a man respected by contemporaries for his character - went to his grave accused of fiduciary irresponsibility and patent theft. His bitter patent disputes with the Wright Brothers leave many wondering whether Curtiss should be seen as a hero or a villain when his place in history is considered.

Hell-Rider to King of the Air examines Curtiss's life, career, and accomplishments in an engaging and accessible way, so that readers can answer that question for themselves. 

About this title

Synopsis

A historian of aviation and one-time Director-Curator of the Glenn Curtiss Museum in New York explores the pioneering contributions Curtiss (1878-1930) made to aviation and engine development. House discusses his work in airplanes and general and seaplanes in particular, internal combustion engines, motorcycles, dirigibles, community development, a

Edition details

• Publisher: SAE International
• Publication date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0768008026
• ISBN 13: 9780768008029
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288